Andrew Coffey, left, of the Greenwich Cannons, takes a late throw as Casey Mack, # 10 of Trumbull steals second base during the top of the second inning during senior legion baseball game between the Greenwich Cannons and Trumbull Post 141 at Julian Curtiss School, Greenwich, Tuesday night, July 5, 2011.
Photo: Bob Luckey, ST

Trumbull High School's #10, Casey Mack runs to third base in the baseball game against Greenwich High School hosted by Greenwich, at the Julian Curtiss field on Monday, April 18, 2011.
Photo: Helen Neafsey, ST

When he first got the phone call from Bridgeport Central's Ely Drysten, telling him he needed to discuss one of his players, Trumbull baseball coach Phil Pacelli's initial reaction was trepidation.

When Pacelli discovered the player was third baseman Casey Mack, there was a feeling of relief.

By the time the conversation was over, there was a feeling of satisfaction on one end of the line, teardrops falling on the other.

What was the impetus for Drysten, the Hilltoppers' baseball coach, reaching out to Pacelli? Well, let Drysten tell the story:

"After we played Trumbull and we were shaking hands, Casey asked me if he could talk to me after his team broke up," Drysten said. "As we were getting on the bus, I actually forgot about it and he came up to me. Usually, since I am the third-base coach, I talk to the other third baseman and he's a really nice kid.

"He came up to me and said, `I love the way you coach and the way your team plays with such heart and passion.' We didn't play well, we made four errors, and I was really down. Generally, when a player talks to a coach, it is about getting into college or voting for All-State.

"Then he said he purchased a couple of bats for us. I was taken aback. He took out two brand-new bats with the wrappers still on them. I teared up. Here is a captain of one of the best teams in the FCIAC and he's giving back to us. I told the kids on the bus what he did. The bats are really expensive. I told our athletic director about it and then found out he did the same thing for Bassick and Harding as well."

It turns out Mack did indeed buy two bats for each of the FCIAC's three Bridgeport schools, never telling his coach, teammates or anyone about his charitable endeavor. He would not disclose the cost of the bats, but it was funded by birthday and Christmas money, as well as part-time jobs. Mack was coaxed into being interviewed for this column. He was not seeking attention, a somewhat reluctant witness.

"We've played against the teams the last three years and I always wanted to do something to help them, ever since I was a sophomore," Mack said. "I just have a lot of respect for them. They come out and play hard every day against the best teams in Connecticut. I wanted them to know I respect them and what they do is amazing. The intensity they show is amazing. I'd be proud to be on one of those teams."

Mack's deed was incredible enough. The fact that he tried to keep it concealed?

"I was speechless," Pacelli said. "I was cooking chicken on the grill when Ely called, and it was one of my proudest moments as a coach. That's the kind of kid that he is. Big heart. Unselfish. That's the way he's been for three years. Ninety-nine percent of the kids would have blown the money on themselves."

Mack admitted he was a little uncomfortable about the story becoming public, but others convinced him that it could be the impetus for similar pay-it-forward deeds.

"I really didn't want it to be about me," Mack said. "I enjoyed doing it. I didn't want anyone to know. When I'm older, I plan to do more. I wish I could do more. I just did something small."

The story might not have even come to light -- Pacelli has known about it for a few weeks -- if Drysten didn't announce his retirement last week during the league baseball coaches' meeting to vote on All-FCIAC teams. Drysten suggested an award be created to recognize character and sportsmanship. He had a first recipient in mind.

I found out about Mack's act from another FCIAC baseball coach who has nothing to do with the story except sharing the same mutual admiration for the Trumbull player as Drysten.

"I'm still in awe," Drysten said. "I wrote him a thank-you note, and he called to thank me for writing the note. Getting a part-time job to help out kids from another school? I've never heard of a kid doing that."

Mack has played a major role in leading the Eagles to the FCIAC championship for the second straight year. Today, they will face Danbury in search of a second straight crown. Next year, Mack will play at the Community College of Rhode Island.

"My kids and I talked about it the next day in practice," Drysten said. "This is just an incredible story. We talked about how baseball is all about the little things, how they dress, how they warm up, how they hustle on and off the field. I always think of Trumbull as our rival with their football and baseball. Now I'll always look at Trumbull in a different light."

Drysten paused for a moment. When he started talking again, his voice cracked.

"Next year, when CCRI has its first home game, Casey is going to look up in the stands and he will see me and my wife rooting for him."